Gloucester anti-CSG activists are hoping for a new approach to the NSW industry

Coal seam gas (CSG) opponents in Gloucester are hoping the incoming NSW Resources Minister, Anthony Roberts, will have a different approach to the industry.

Why AGL is pursuing this in the Gloucester Valley is extraordinary really

Chris Sheed, Manning Clean Water Action Group

Former Minister Chris Hartcher stepped down after the Independent Commission Against Corruption raided his electorate office.

The Manning Clean Water Action Group said it is hoping the new Minister will look carefully at what is happening in the Gloucester Valley.

Spokesman Chris Sheed said it is not too late for AGL to pull out of the area.

"Why AGL is pursuing this in the Gloucester Valley is extraordinary really, when you look at the effort they're putting into safe solar and wind projects out west," he said.

"It's interesting to note that those projects, which aren't risky to the environment at all are being done way out west, while coal seam gas which is risky to the environment is being done in major residential areas on the eastern seaboard."

AGL has plans to drill 110 gas wells in the area in the first stage of its development, with two further stages to follow.

But Mr Sheed said it was clear at AGL's recent annual general meeting, the final decision has not been made it.

"It was made clear there for the shareholders that AGL will be making a final decision on whether Gloucester proceeds in February 2014," he said.

"They put on a fairly brave face in public, but I would imagine in the boardroom a lot of the board members would turn around and say "what sort of a hell of a mess are getting ourselves into in Gloucester?"

A spokesperson for AGL said its Waukivory pilot program in Gloucester will obtain valuable information to build the area's gas and water profile.

"The pilot program is just another way we can build our knowledge of the environment before any coal seam gas production occurs," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"Hydraulic fracturing is not new in this area. Twelve wells have already been fracture stimulated in Gloucester, four were performed by AGL after acquiring the exploration licence.